Travel Apps Worth the Download
Written By Natalia Chaves
Now, I am not an expert in ALL things travel, but I’ve done my fair share. If you’ve read my other article about my artist friend Daniela Life Captured in an Instant, you may have read that I’ve been living in Spain for the past two years. Within those years, I’ve been lucky enough to travel around Spain, visit Italy, Portugal, France, and Morocco. This year, my travel wishlist includes Lebanon, Albania, Ireland, Hungary, and Portugal (again). Before I had moved to Europe, so many of these apps were not on my radar, and now I couldn’t imagine living without them. This article can also be seen in its original blog format on my Thatch account: Free guide: Apps and Services , and with that, let’s begin.
THATCH
This is the newest platform I have learned about. I saw it reposted on a travel blogger’s Instagram. This platform can be used one of two ways, and they can interchange how you want to use it.
As a user:
I love this platform because you are able to find curated itineraries. If you are stressed about planning a trip, you can choose to pay someone to curate an itinerary made just for you. There are also free guides that are available if you are not able to afford a curated one, or you just need some inspiration
As a seller:
If you are a seasoned traveler, especially in multiple continents this platform is great to start earning by sharing your experiences. You upload a guide, and choose whether you want it to be free, or you can charge people to buy it. You set your price, but make sure the content reflects what you are asking for. If you decide to post a guide for free, there is also a “Add Tip” option. This allows people to give you a little thank you tip if they decide to. Aside from the functionality of it I absolutely love the aesthetic of it. It’s very easy to follow, and even if there is a lot of content, it doesn’t feel that way. I personally make sure to split things up with photos and highlight the sections so that readers can skip to the parts they are most interested in reading.
Here is a link to my profile: https://www.thatch.co/@natchaves17
BANKING 🏦
Wise (formally, TransferWise)
Is a platform that allows you to move your money internationally. This is ideal for those who:
Have two or more banking accounts in different countries, who need to make transfers between banks.
Are traveling and don't want to carry cash, pay a high conversion rate, or pay a high transfer fee.
Digital nomads/ business owners who may have their own business in one country, while living in another.
My mom once wired me money through her bank to my Spanish account and paid a US $45 fee!!! I was shocked and kicked myself for not telling her about Wise earlier, because I've never paid more than $4 to wire money. Most times I pay between US $1.50-$2.50 per transfer, despite the amount.
You can spend money in 175 different countries, in 53 different currencies.
There is a debit card you can get for a one-time fee of US $9, and can add to Google or Apple Pay.
Just wanted to say quickly, thank you for taking the time to read this guide! I hope as you continue down you find it to be helpful and use some of these to help with your next travel adventure.
One way to help me continue make guides is to use my referral links:
If you send 250 euros (or more) I can receive a gift from Wise. Once you make an account you will also get your own personal link. Share the love and pass your referral code to others!
TRANSPORTATION 🚢 ✈️ 🚊
BlaBlaCar:
Think of this as Uber but for longer journeys. The idea behind BlaBla came from French founder, Fred, who was getting a ride from his sister and noticed all the cars on the rode with empty seats. His idea was, why not fill those spots with people also going the same way and share the cost of transportation? Thus, BlaBlaCar was born!
This service was the one I was most excited to write about because it's such an affordable way to get around. Other reasons why I like it:
-Affordability (already stated)
-Meet new people, have great conversations.
-Can get you to less centric places that maybe a train or bus system couldn't take you to.
-Great for the environment! cut down on CO2 emissions by carpooling.
-Available in 21 countries. here is the full list:
Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, the United Kingdom, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, India, Turkey, Mexico, and Brazil.
Concerned About Safety?
Both rider and driver will make a profile and need to submit their ID. Drivers also must register their vehicle, just like Uber. Both users will rate and write reviews of one another at the end, so you can check those when choosing a driver, or accepting a rider.
Rome2Rio
Do I take a bus? train? plane? ferry?!?! which one is faster? which option is cheaper?
Instead of having multiple tabs open, comparing what's the best option let Rome2Rio do that for you. Simply plug in the destination and from where you're traveling and this app will give you all options available and show the pricing, duration and route.
You can choose to book through the app or go to the website from where the tickets are sold.
ITINERARY ✅
Wanderlog:
What I like about this app is the feature of keeping track of spending between you and others in the travel group, and dividing the money at the end. No need to take out your calculator; this app will do all the math for you. You can organize the charges by putting in the type of charge it is, for example: Food, transportation, entertainment, accommodation, etc. You put in who paid and how to divide it. Not only can it do an even divide, but let's say that there's a group of 4, and this one specific charge only needs to be split between you and one other person. You add who to divide it with, and the app will make sure not to charge the others. At the end, the names in red with a negative sign owe money, and it will tell you exactly to whom you need to pay. If your name is in green, then you are owed money.
FLIGHTS ✈️
SkyScanner
This is my go-to for cheap flights! You have an option to book through them or go to the website of the airline. If you are concern about maybe needing to change or cancel your flight, it's best to book directly through the airline so that you are able to get better assistance. My favorite feature is their "Explore Everywhere" option. If you are flexible on where to go, and want to find the best value just plug in from where you're flying and click the "Explore Everywhere" option on the destination and a list of the cheapest flights will appear.
Google flights
Though SkyScanner is my go-to option, sometimes I can find pretty good deals with google flights, and with browser extensions (mentioned later in this section) you can get some great discounted tickets.
SkipLagged
If you haven't heard of this, it's time you did. Airlines absolutely hate this platform and let me explain why. Direct flights are always more expensive than if you book a flight with 1 or more layovers. Let's say you want to go to Chicago and a direct flight is $300 but you see that a flight to Texas with a layover in Chicago is $200, you book this option and never get on the flight to go to Texas. Of course you will need to only travel with a carry-on considering checked luggage will go to the destination. This a sneaky travel hack that has become popular. Airlines obviously don't like this, because you're basically cheating the system, but it's all legal and within your right.
Consider browser extensions (for chrome):
Before you add your payment, try browser extensions to see if there's any coupons or deals that you can apply to your purchase. Some popular ones are:
-RatePunk
-NordVPN
-Peanut
-Cently
ACCOMMODATION 🏨
Booking.com
I love this website because it has really great deals. I made an account so that I am able to unlock features. These include discounted rates, penalty-free cancellations, breakfast-included options and much more. I am currently on level 2, working my way to level 3. The higher the level, the more features unlocked.
HostelWorld
For those who are budget travelers or maybe don't want to stay alone in a property, Hostel World is a great option. A lot of people think that hostels are dirty, cramped, loud etc. and they 100% can be, but I have stayed in hostels that are hotel level quality. There are options to have a personal room or to share with others. I like this option because I always feel safe being around people, and having volunteers/ employees I can go to for any issues I have.
Pros of hostels:
-Affordable
-Great way to meet new people
-Most have kitchens so you can cook meals to save money
-Most hostels offer free walking tours, happy hours, and other activities.
Loft in Porto, Portugal, booked through HostelWorld. Book your stay here now:
The Passenger Hostel: https://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/?HostelNumber=279606
Airbnb
This is an obvious choice, and a lot of people's first option. I've stayed in some places where hostels were not available and needed to book an Airbnb and have paid similar prices, as if I had stayed in a hostel. One feature of Airbnb that I use the most is their "Experiences" option. This is great if you are interested in doing activities apart from walking tours, like, wine tours, excursions to other places with transportation, pottery, cooking classes, the list goes on. I've found great deals there and recommend doing this on your next trip.
VRBO
This is similar to Airbnb, it stands for Vacation Rentals By Owner. You can compare and contrast prices from Airbnb and choose the best rate. I used this when looking for a property in Costa Rica. It was super gorgeous with the best view of the beach!
Safe Travels!
Where else can you find me:
Instagram: @natchaves17
Tik-Tok: @justnatthings